Who says health and taste don’t come together? Well, there are certain godsend food items that are not only yummy but power-packed with nutrients. One such food item is almonds. Just so you know, there’s a reason why your loved ones are so adamant about feeding you almonds – doesn’t matter if you are in your 20s or 40s.
So, why almonds? What magic do they do to your health? You may have heard that they can help you get strong and luscious locks, but is that it? Well, no. There is a long list of benefits that may benefit your health in general.
Well, let’s find out.
Power-packed with calcium
You don’t really have to take calcium supplements to meet your calcium deficiency if you have a handful of almonds every day. Filled with the goodness of calcium, almonds can support bone health and give you strong teeth. It’s the go-to substitute for people suffering from lactose intolerance. The cherry on the cake is that they are rich in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K.
So, wouldn’t you now say that it’s a much healthier option than the bag of chips you stretch your hands for when you’re hungry? It definitely is. It’s time for a healthy swap.
Rich in antioxidants
Life is too short to prepare a detox drink every day especially when your morning starts in a rush. The good news is that you can get the benefits of antioxidants in almonds. Easy to eat, easy way to detoxify your body.
Almonds are a healthy source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin E. These nutrients help protect cells from damage that is often caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It has also been observed that having about 60 grams of almonds every day helps reduce inflammation in the body.
A green flag for your cardiovascular health
You should never take things for granted, especially your heart health when there are increasing cases of heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Almonds are filled with the goodness of monounsaturated fats, which have a good reputation for preventing heart disease.
The icing on the cake is that they are rich in magnesium, potassium and antioxidants, which help reduce blood pressure. And from what we know, high blood pressure can be a red flag for heart health. However, you must note that almonds won’t save you if you already swear by a poor lifestyle including inactivity and high intake of processed foods. Your daily habits count more than you realise.
Helps control blood sugar
We understand how hard it can be to control your sugar cravings. After all, it’s not easy to say NO to rasgullas or a pack of chocolate. Well, truth bomb alert, your sweet tooth is one of the biggest contributors to high blood sugar. What you need is a substitute.
What better substitute there is than a handful of almonds? They’re a blessing for high blood sugar. Having a low glycemic index, almonds help regulate your blood sugar levels. Who knew these bite-sized delicacies could actually be a big nutritional punch, especially for diabetic patients?
Rich in protein, low in carbohydrates
Planning to increase your protein intake? A handful of almonds can help. Being an excellent source of protein, they can promote muscle growth (given that you meet your daily protein intake). A quarter-cup of almonds can give you 6 grams of protein, certainly more than a bag full of chips, wouldn’t you agree?
In addition to that, they are low on carbohydrates. Now, this doesn’t mean that carbs are the enemy if you consume them in the right amount. However, consuming them in excess may contribute to poor metabolic health. Given the fact that almonds are low on carbohydrates, they’re beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes or simply somebody thinking of reducing their carb intake.
Good for memory
Do your friends or loved ones suggest you eat almonds every time you forget something? If yes, just know it’s not something they say without no reason. Almonds are actually good for your memory. As per research, almonds increase Ach (acetylcholine) levels in the body. It is a neurotransmitter present in the brain that enhances memory and also fights Alzheimer’s.
Soaked almonds >>>>> Unpeeled/ dry almonds
You must have heard that soaked almonds are better than the unpeeled/dry ones. So, is it true? And if it is, why?
Well, it’s not that soaked almonds give you extra health benefits but it’s just that they are easily absorbed in the body. Tatin’ which is found in an almond peel, inhibits nutrient absorption. However, if you peel them before consumption, nutrients are easily released and absorbed in the body.
Closing thoughts
If you don’t have almonds every day, it’s high time you start having them daily. The benefits are plenty for your health. Trust us, your health will thank you. So, why don’t you start by keeping a cup full of almonds at your desk or table? It’s definitely a healthy start to a healthy day.
